Autumn Spiced Rum Cider Cocktail

Autumn is finally here and with that brings lots of seasonal treats. I know that everyone always talks about pumpkin when the weather gets cooler. I am usually one of those people.

This year, however, I have really been focusing on apples. I don’t know if I have ever told you but we have a backyard.

This is very uncommon for apartments in the city of Chicago so it feels like a little oasis. In the center of our backyard is an apple tree that is the saddest, most pitiful tree. Ever.

It blooms its gorgeous pink and white spring buds and when those fall off, it’s condition quickly deteroiates. By mid-May its leaves start falling off. Apples start growing, but they don’t fare well.

I’m not sure if its because the tree loses all of its leaves by July or if its just because its a diseased tree.

I’ve spoken to our landlord about the tree and I guess it has a fungus. It probably should be cut down and replaced with another but the thought makes me so sad.

This apple tree is the safe haven for so many city creatures – we have had an owl, several hawks and then various other city animals (squirrels, opossums, raccoons). And regular non-birds of prey too – cardinals, robins, woodpeckers, sparrows, finches, and more.

I spend time each day watching the birds and animals, and watching the tree change so rapidly. Maybe that is why all I can do is think about apples this autumn.

Apples… and cocktails.

Autumn Spiced Rum Cider Cocktail

This autumn spiced rum cider cocktail is a delicious blend of some of my favorite ingredients and fall flavors. You start with your favorite spiced rum. I tend to buy Captain Morgan but Meyers is also a great choice.

Next, you soak apple cider – the non alcohol kind – in two of my favorite spices. You could, of course, add more or different spices to this blend. Nutmeg and cloves would be great additions if you are so inclined.

Put the apple cider in a sealable jar (mason jars work perfect for this) and then refridgerate for at least an hour.

After your apple cider is brimming with the scents of autumn, you’re ready to get started.

Combine the spiced rum, spiced apple cider, and hard cider together in a glass, top with a dash or two of lemon bitters and you’re ready for autumn!

This cocktail is the answer when you are looking for spiced rum cocktails, hard cider cocktails, or spiced rum cider.

Ingredients

Spiced Apple Cider

4 cups apple cider

3 cinnamon sticks

3 star anise

Optional

nutmeg

cloves

Cocktail

1 1/2 ounces spiced rum

1/2 cup spiced apple cider

1/2 cup hard cider

2-3 dashes lemon bitters

Instructions

To make the spiced apple cider, combine the apple cider, cinnamon sticks and star anise in a sealable container like a mason jar. If using optional spices, add them now. Seal the container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Shake well before using.

To make the autumn spiced rum cider cocktail, fill a rocks glass with ice. Pour the spiced rum and spiced apple cider over the ice. Stir well. Top with hard cider and lemon bitters.

You’re so lucky to have a backyard- here in London and we have a small, beautiful garden next to our apartment, but sadly I can’t see it from our windows. Thanks so much for sharing this delicious drink, I can’t wait to try it. Hope your tree gets better…

would have loved to read this post, but there was a banner that slid over on the left margin obscuring the print. I’m using an iPad mini.
Thought you might want to know.
And it wouldn’t go away, no matter what.

I am so ready for Autumn – this will be a great drink to welcome it in! Thanks for sharing on the What’s for Dinner link up and don’t forget to leave a comment at the party – Next week’s features that also leave a comment get pinned and tweeted!

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